SILK

DROPSHARD are from North Italy, somewhere between Lago Di Como and Milan, to take it more precisely. Known for its mediterranean climate including lakes and mountains nearby, probably the best circumstances to bring out something extraordinary. I already came across their forerunner album 'Anywhere But Home' which I would describe as a heavy progressive and metal hybrid including influences from Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree. Especially the title track engaged me to write a review in due course ... where later I had to realize that they even had ventured on the task to remix their debut. Fantastico, amici! The sound is clearer, obviously better, just to mention the drum presence for example. Anyhow, don't want to open a competiton, as the focus is on 'Silk' here of course.

'Well done - you haven't moved an inch!' a young woman claims at then end of Seat - Yes and No! Okay, this will be a perfect description when it comes to that particular song on its own, which is an ambient spacey interlude. But nowhere near can't be assigned to the entire album! Where 'Anywhere But Home' offers way more metal elements, this one certainly goes towards an art rock and neo prog direction. At first let me say, Enrico Scanu's vocals are amazing me. On one side there's a little charming accent to consider, though furthermore his expressive style is really really fascinating. As I generally would agree with lovers of Italian bands and prog music who are looking forward to native lyrics ... sometimes it's also suitable to use the English language, and this, presented by Enrico, eventually offers an important DROPSHARD trademark.

That's the way it is. But maybe even this will change furthermore, who knows? Now let me say that 'Silk' is an amazing album, varied, the songs are emotional, entertaining, elaborated. Eyes is a mainstream oriented exemplar, akin to bands like Moongarden, Believe, Quidam. Featuring an intriguing guitar intro Tied Together comes in the same, more mellow outfit. 'Take off your white coat and let me see' ... ehhhh ... the nested Cell 342 appears to be my top favourite, simply a prog masterpiece as for my appreciation. And Enrico once moves entirely close to growling, only once. They are getting started with a nice piano/vocal duet which always gives me the shivers, yeah!. Featuring heavy riffing guitar the mood then suddenly changes. The engines are running now at full stream, the song evolves to a rollercoaster behaviour, plus spaced out interlude somewhere in between - this one makes my day!

As for the heavier parts implemented, also fans of Porcupine Tree, Riverside, Toxic Smile, to name a few, might have a lot of fun listening to this album. Two songs are reaching behind the ten minute border. The Endless Road is made of variation again, including transitions to mellow flute and acoustic guitar doninated parts, but also a fulminant powerful peak towards the end. Memento starts way more eastbound oriented, probably at Baikonor or so, when considering some Russian speech incorporated. An entertaining piece in any case. Sorry, I've only mentioned the singer yet, though all the involved musicians are having a horse in the race of course. Definitely a highlight in 2014. With 'Silk' DROPSHARD have dropped an almost perfect album to the table, which affects me much. 4.5 ruthless stars.

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